Mark Twain in chapter five of his book The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, wrote of Tom at a church service: The service began with a list of announcements which he thought would go on “to the crack of doom.” He talked about the prayer which was generous in its detail and he resented it whenever anything new was added in. The preacher’s sermon “droned along [so] monotonously… and was so prosy that many a head began to nod.
This reminds us of what happens when we come together to worship. The announcements are a little long, the songs aren’t to our liking, the preacher is a little boring. Some of us even do things to keep ourselves awake. We are at a different time. Forty years ago people didn’t ask, why do I have to go to church (worship)? Things have changed, culturally and intellectually so that we look at life a little differently. Sunday morning is now seen as a time to relax. If we don’t like the way things are where we presently worship, we will look for a place where things are the way we want them to be. Most people when they think about worship do not think about it as essential or the most critical thing they will do during the week.
We come together every Lord’s Day to be in the presence of God. Even though it may not look like much, and even when we don’t leave with a feeling of excitement, what happens during worship is of great importance because this is where we approach Mount Zion and we offer our praise to the One who is worthy of all praise. May we never as Christians take this opportunity in a light manner!
The first mother was called “Eve, because she was the mother of all living” (Genesis 3:20). The LORD has much to say in Scripture about the responsibilities and rewards of…
In this lesson let’s look at this account of “A Prophet Who Saw the Unseen” and learn the valuable insights which God has placed here for us. May it strengthen…
When will you quit living the old way of life, the former manner of living which Paul described as being dictated by your own lack of knowledge and understanding, separated…
Of the fourteen documented miracles which took place during Elisha’s ministry, at least eight of them were of a compassionate nature. I would like to draw your minds to 2…
I like to listen to other people pray — especially do I like to listen to the things for which they pray. I always want to improve my own prayer…
As you may remember, following the test, Elijah commanded the people to seize the prophets of Baal and bring them "down to the brook Kishon" where they were put to…
According to all four of the gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Jesus rose from the dead following His crucifixion. Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24 and John 20 through…
Elijah has been staying with a widow in the Phoenician village of Zarephath located on the Mediterranean coast between Tyre and Sidon. Israel is experiencing its third year of drought…
In Paul’s letter to the brethren in Thessalonica he reveals to us that which brought him and Timothy and Silas great joy. He remembered the three short weeks which he…
There were those who sought to distract the believers in Thessalonica from the message by accusing Paul of preaching . . . a. An erroneous or deceitful message. b. To…
